The Malatestiana Library is the only example of a monastic humanist library which is perfectly preserved in building, furnishings and book collection.

UNESCO added it to their "Memory of the World" programme in 1992, the first in Italy. It is attributed to the Friar's of St Francis, who intended to construct it for the use of a studium (place of study) which was annexed to their 14th Centure monastery.

The entrance is defined by a large, heavy wooden door created by Cristoforo da San Giovanni in Persiceto and dates back to August 1454, with carvings that are gothic in style with rosette motifs and helixes. Inside you will find the impression of a 'miniature church' - rows of columns and tiers of seats - elegant, cultured and temple-like. You will see the library is very geometric with proportionate relationships in the layout and elevation allowing light to be distributed through ogival arch windows. You will find volumes and manuscripts still held in the desks today some bound in wrought iron chains for protection of such precious books in years centuries by.

In the Piana Library you will find over 5000 printed volumes dating from 15th - 19th Centuries and around 100 manuscripts. Among these is the most precious - Gospel book dated from 1104 which contains the Decretum Gratiani, a Roman Missal from the beginning of the 15th Century with a splendidly described crucifixion. Also included is one copy of the Chorals of Cardinal Bessarione (an important and influential member of the the church in the 15th Century) the front page depicts the colourful Bessarione coast of arms.

And lastly, the "smallest book in the world". There are a series of miniature format printed volumes amonst which is the smallest book in the world which is readable without a magnifying glass. Printed by the Salmin brother of Padua in 1897, it measure 15mm x 9mm and contains a letter from Galilei to Christine of Lorraine.

Admission:
The library is open for guided tours from Monday to Saturday 9am-6.45pm and Sundays/Festivals 10-12.30. Admission costs 5 euros with a reduction for under 18'yrs and 60+ yrs at 4 euros. Students 2 euros. Groups of 5+ require booking.